AL Senate District 7 Questionnaire Response: Paul Sanford

Alabama Senate District 7 candidate Paul Sanford’s responses to our candidate questionnaire are listed below.

1. Alabama is currently coping with budget shortfalls that have led to 12.5% proration and forced the state to use half of the “rainy day fund.” What solution would you pursue as a state senator? If spending cuts or tax increases are involved please provide specifics.

In order to eliminate the need for proration within the state budget, our leadership in Montgomery, both executive and legislative branches, should produce a budget based on a prior year revenue calculations. Currently there is a proposed bill, by Rep. Canfield, that addresses prior year revenue budgeting that I would support. This proposal will place a ceiling on the growth rate of the next budget, thus restraining spending. The first hurdle will be to freeze current spending levels or cut spending levels depending on the prior year revenue calculations. Over the past several years legislators have been reluctant to slow Government spending, but have subscribed to “a spend it as we get it” method. Montgomery, as a whole, has not made serious attempts to consider the consequences of an economic downturn. Likewise, the necessary savings to survive the current National slowdown in our economy is not in place, and I plan on addressing this issue head-on as a State Senator. I do not believe tax increases would benefit the struggling people of Alabama, but more responsible spending from the State is mandatory.

2. What measures would you propose and/or support to increase transparency and accountability in our state government?

I believe integrity and openness within State Government is vital in gaining the confidence of the citizens of Alabama. Currently, Senator Arthur Orr and Representative Mike Ball have put together a comprehensive bill that aggressively addresses the transparency/accountability issue facing Montgomery, and I support their efforts in passing this legislation. Likewise, I like the proposed subpoena power that Governor Riley wishes to grant the Ethics Commission.

3. Would you support and vote for “Free the Hops” legislation?

Personally I have no problem with the Free the Hops legislation, but as a State Senator I would openly listen to the people of District 7 before casting a vote on the legislation. I feel it is extremely important that a public servant represent public sentiment rather than a personal agenda, while be willing to openly discuss any points of disagreement.

4. Do you support eliminating the grocery sales tax? If so, then how do you propose to replace the lost revenue?

I do not believe that eliminating the tax would provide the true relief that our seniors and poor across the State truly need. Eliminating the grocery tax is a step in the right direction, but it only puts between $16-32 of real money back into the pockets of those groups it is directed towards. Either we do away with the grocery tax and make Government more efficient and effective, or we leave it like it presently exists. The current proposal to eliminate the grocery tax and switch the burden to pick up the tab by doing away with an income tax break on Federal refunds is not the right answer for the citizens of Alabama.

5. Would you support and vote for Initiative and Referendum?

I agree with the concept of the Initiative and Referendum bill proposed during the 2008 Session by many conservative Republicans in the House. It provides Alabama citizens with one more avenue to voice their concerns and it adds one more level of accountability to elected officials. However, we have to make sure that the law would be written in a way where it cannot be used as a tool by powerful special interest groups to promote their own agendas. The onus should be placed on the individual pushing the initiative instead of on the Legislature.

6. Name or describe one bill that you would personally champion in the Alabama Senate. It can be a previously introduced bill or one you intend to introduce.

Canfield’s Prior Year Budgeting Bill!

7. What is your position on Constitutional Reform? Would you support and vote for a Constitutional Convention?

Constitutional Reform is certainly needed in Alabama. I do not feel a convention would be the most effective method for the necessary reform. I prefer an article-by-article examination, with deletions and alterations to the Constitution occurring over a longer period of time. This process will lead to a more thoughtful and intentional sifting of the document. After addressing the entire Constitution article by article, then a new Constitution should be brought before the people of Alabama for ratification.

8.What role should the state play in economic development?

State Government’s role in economic development is to provide a climate that encourages companies to do business in and locate facilities within the State of Alabama. Government should provide the basic infrastructure necessary for our communities to be successful like quality roads, excellent school systems, a tax structure that rewards success, and incentives for development that do not take dollars away from the people of Alabama. Finding the right combination of responsible spending by government and keeping taxes low here in Alabama is the challenge to continue economic growth within District 7 and the entire State.

9. What ideas do you support for conserving the natural (environmental) and cultural heritage of Alabama?

As a lifelong outdoorsman, I am well aware of the need to preserve our precious natural resources across the State. I will fight for the protection of our environmental assets in a responsible way when endangered by development within the State. As for cultural heritage, I will protect the strong family value atmosphere characterized by the people of Alabama.

10. A Softball! Think of one question you wish we had asked and provide your answer.

Why should people vote for Paul Sanford?

As a native of Huntsville/Madison County I am personally familiar with where this area has been, where we are presently, and where we are heading. My interaction with the people and businesses located within District 7 will help provide a personal level of representation in Montgomery. As a small business owner, and 4th generation entrepreneur, I am reminded daily of the economic importance of sound, common sense, practical solutions that translate to improvement for everyday citizens. My no-nonsense approach and solutions to the problems facing the State of Alabama come from conversations around the coffee table or kitchen table like everyday people. It is not my intent to reinvent Government, but to make it more accountable and responsive to everyday citizens. It is time we elect people that intend to serve the interest of others when making decisions within the Government, rather than people pushing personal agendas under the disguise of public interest. I will be the most accessible Senator District 7 has ever seen, and I will fight for the people of Alabama without compromising my personal morals and ethics. I will be the kind of Senator that our community will be proud to have in Montgomery.